UNCLAS Read Board with CDR Salamander

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Key Topics: * Reflection on America’s 250th celebration and patriotic observances, including the significance of the World Cup and tall ships. * Analysis of Iran’s naval activities and the prospects of extended punitive campaigns in the Gulf. * Insights into Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, new missile capabilities...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary Sal discusses recent geopolitical developments including Iran’s negotiations, US military operations, UK military decline, Ukraine’s resilience, and global strategic shifts. This episode offers insights into current international security dynamics and future implications. Chapters 00:00 Introduction an...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Ukrainian FP-1/2 drone attacks Russian frigate Admiral Essen at the Novorossiysk Naval Base * Ukrainian attack on the Kronstadt Naval Base * Attack on Kuwait International Airport * Saronic commentary by John Konrad on gCaptain * AV-8B closes its story * MQ-25A opens its story * AUKUS update Summa...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, Sal discusses recent congressional testimonies by Navy leaders, the MQ-25 Stingray, and the realities of directed energy weapons on ships. He emphasizes learning from past military delays, the importance of technological progress, and the significance of understanding bureaucratic grow...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary A shorter than usual UNCLAS Read Board Podcast, with look around current naval developments, military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, the state of the Royal Navy, and Japan’s growing ties with its Western Pacific neighbors. Chapters 00:00: Introduction and Overview of Current Naval Issues 03:24: The S...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links: * Substack posts * Did China Culminate and No One Noticed? * I’ll take LCC-21, 22, and yes, 23 and 24, thank you * So, the SECNAV has Departed * CVN Status * The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944 , by Rick Atkinson Summary Sal discusses current naval operations, geopolitical dev...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com In this episode, Sal discusses recent naval activities, U.S. Iran tensions, and the strategic importance of maritime power. The conversation emphasizes the significance of maritime and aerospace capabilities in national security and offers insights into geopolitical choke points, regional alliances, and the fu...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * NYT article on U.S. buildup around Iran . * CSIS Graph mentioned by Shashank Joshi * 2017 Navy Times article on Ford-class toilets * Captain Luther’s note circa 2011/12 on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)’s plumbing issues * Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 2011 article on same issue Summary Sal di...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, Sal discusses the evolving landscape of national security, focusing on the significant changes in global dynamics over the past year. He examines the roles of major players like China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, as well as the emerging trends in South America and India’s strategic po...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, the host discusses the recent military operations related to Venezuela, focusing on the successful takedown of sanctioned tankers and the implications for U.S. naval strategy. The conversation also shifts to the defense budget under the Trump administration, exploring the need for incr...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, Sal discusses various pressing topics including the ongoing drug war, military operations, the situation in Ukraine, and the recent controversy surrounding the Pentagon press pool. He expresses gratitude to his subscribers and reflects on the complexities of military decisions, the imp...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, Sal discusses various pressing global issues, including the evolving role of Saudi Arabia, the ongoing drug cartel crisis in the Americas, and the ethical responsibilities of military personnel in politics. He also addresses the challenges within the military-industrial complex, a rece...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, the host reflects on personal experiences growing up in Florida’s East Coast during the Space Age, discusses the current state of naval ships, and addresses geopolitical concerns in Venezuela and Nigeria. The conversation also touches on the situation in Sudan and the rise of South Kor...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Ian Ellis’s outline of Caribbean U.S. Navy deployment * The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century , by Kenneth F. McKenzie Summary In this conversation, Sal discusses various geopolitical issues, including a potential peace deal in Israel and Gaza, the implications of Iran’s weak...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Trump says he now thinks Ukraine can win back all territory taken by Russia * Operation Granby and stockpiles Summary In this episode, the host discusses various pressing national security issues, including the implications of air-launched cruise missiles, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the histor...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Gaza COA Decision Brief, 11 October, 2023 * We're Burning Another Amphib: this time the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) * The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century , by Kenneth F. McKenzie * Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South Hardcover , by Elizabeth Varon (Author)...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Reforming the promotion system in DOD * Australian Missile Canister Loading Equipment (MCLE) * USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T‑AO 206) Summary In this episode of the Commander Salamander UNCLAS Read Board Podcast, the host discusses various topics related to national security, military developments, and...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan * Modern Chinese Maritime Forces, 01JUL2025 Edition . * Frontline states say “bye” to the Ottawa Convention on Mines . * King's Navy: Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King and the Rise of American Sea Power, 1897–1947 * Heritage DataViz on US Fleet promises v. PLAN Ex...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, the host discusses significant geopolitical events, focusing on the recent developments in Iran and Israel, the implications of the NATO summit, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversation highlights the changing dynamics in the Middle East, the challenges faced by NATO allie...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, Sal discusses the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict, highlighting the significant military actions and geopolitical implications. He delves into the current state of the Navy, including leadership changes and recruitment successes, while also addressing challenges in military procuremen...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * USS Truman conducted largest airstrike in Navy history * This is the Greatest Existential Threat to the Republic * 2010’s Birth of The Terrible 20s * 1992-93 Somalia Intervention * USS Essex (LHD 2) 1,800nm of celestial navigation Summary In this episode, Commander Salamander discusses various mil...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Shownotes * If You Think Greenland is Strategic... * What Could China do to the USA on D+0? * We Must Not Let the F/A-18 Line Go Cold * Sinking of the Moskva * UKR Sea Baby Drone v. RUS SU-30 * PRC Incursions around Taiwan * L3Harris Vampire Summary In this episode of the Unclassed Read Board, Sal discusses va...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Three Ousted Pentagon Officials * OMG Snags the Most Unhappy GS of the Week * Discrimination at the Naval Academy: the Numbers * French Frigate in Action on the Red Sea * Operation Highmast Summary In this episode, Sal discusses the ongoing drama at the Pentagon, highlighting the recent departures...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * All Hail the First of Hopefully Many Maritime Focused Executive Orders * The SECNAV Received His Direction & Guidance * Navy at ‘tipping point’ with Constellation-class frigate: Lawmakers * Mackenzie Eaglen on Russia and China capacity * Heritage Foundation push on tactical nuclear weapons * Dr. A...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans , Jeffrey Goldberg in The Atlantic . * Successful tests of new lightweight torpedo system on temporary platform , FMV. * Feral Jundi on Signal as part of a valid communications structure.